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Arm

The human arm is a complex system of bones,
muscles, nerves, and vessels. Extending from the shoulder to the fingertips, it
is one evolutionary tool that has allowed humans the ability to build giant
skyscrapers, climb trees, and arm wrestle.
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In Depth:Arm

The arm consists of several segments that together make it one of the most
useful and complex tools of the human body. These parts are:

Upper arm:
Extending from the shoulder to the elbow, the upper arm provides pulling
and lifting strength.

Elbow: This
hinged joint allows the arm to open up to 180 degrees at full extension.

Forearm: The
forearm is the area between the wrist and the elbow. The muscles in the
forearm rotate, flex, and extend the wrist.

Wrist:
Located in the upper hand, eight carpal bones — along with multiple
muscles and tendons — form this intricate area.

Hand: With
five fingers, the hand allows humans to do much more complicated tasks
than any other animal.

Bone fractures are among the most common injuries to the
arm. These typically occur during high-impact collisions such as automobile
accidents, falls, and sports injuries. The radius and ulna — the bones of the
forearm — are commonly broken. They are often healed with immobilization casts
or splints, but compound fractures (multiple breaks) may require the surgical
implantation of pins and other types of reinforcement.

The upper arm is also susceptible to painful inflammation of the outside
muscle or tendon near the elbow. This is commonly known as tennis elbow.
Repetitive movements, such as a backhand stroke in tennis lead to cause this inflammatory
condition.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is another condition caused by repetitive
movements, such as regular use of a computer keyboard or mouse. Characterized
by tingling and numbness in the hands or fingers, this condition causes
pressure on the median nerve, which
runs through the wrist on the thumb side of the hand. Special devices or ergonomic
modifications can improve the condition, but sometime carpal tunnel release
surgery is needed to relieve the pressure.

In cases of extreme injury, such as aggressive
infection, circulatory disorders, or severe trauma, amputation of a limb may be
needed. Amputation of the arm can mean anything from a finger to the entire
arm. Amputation is often a last resort when all other therapies or surgeries
have been exhausted. However, thanks to prosthetics, many amputees continue to
live normal, healthy lives after rehabilitation.